God has entrusted each of us with special gifts and talents which are given to us for the enrichment of the lives of others, not just for our own use. We’re called to use our gifts to serve others as faithful stewards of God’s grace. (1 Peter 4:10).
Virtual Ministry Fair
Jesus Needs You
We often talk about what we need to do for Jesus, but have you ever considered what Jesus needs from you? Join us September 16 – 17 for the St. John Virtual Ministry Fair to see where you can best use your gifts and talents to serve God and your parish community.
To learn more about each ministry, please browse the information below and then fill out the interest form so we can tell you more about how to join. Remember, Jesus needs all of us to help build up his kingdom.
LITURGY AND WORSHIP
Altar Servers
Boys and girls ages 9-17 who wish to participate in a more active way at the Mass. They assist the Priest and Deacon to help make the ritual of the Mass proceed smoothly. Training is provided. Servers assist at regular Sunday Masses and at various Masses on special Feasts and Solemnities, i.e. Christmas, Easter, Holy Days of Obligation.
Altar Servers (Spanish)
Niños y niñas de 9 a 17 años que deseen participar de una manera más activa en la Misa. Ayudan al sacerdote y al diácono a ayudar a que el ritual de la Misa se desarrolle sin problemas. Se proporciona capacitación. Los servidores asisten en las misas dominicales regulares y en varias misas en fiestas y solemnidades especiales, es decir, Navidad, Pascua, Días Santos de Obligación.
Altar Care
Provide regular support in areas of cleaning, linen laundry, supply are attended to so that the sanctuary area of the church is ready for worship.
Children’s Liturgy of the Word (CLOW)
Young children in K and 1st grade are invited to learn the Word of God at their own level in a special gathering separate from the large Assembly during Mass. This is offered during the 11:00 am Mass each Sunday.
Church Environment
Decorating the church for special occasion, i.e. Christmas, Easter, etc. and throughout the year. Follow-up care for live plants.
Corpus Christi/Adoration
Set-up and prepare for Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament on Wednesday each week from 3:00-8:00pm. Insure that there are a minimum number of persons in attendance throughout the exposition time.
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
Men and women 16 years of age and older who are Confirmed and in good standing in the Church are invited to assist in the reverent distribution of the Eucharist.
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (Spanish)
Los hombres y mujeres de 16 años de edad y mayores que están confirmados y en buen estado en la Iglesia están invitados a ayudar en la distribución reverente de la Eucaristía.
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion - Homebound
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion may be asked to bring communion to the home-bound when the clergy is not available. Bringing the Lord to those who are not able to attend Mass is extremely rewarding not only for the person receiving communion but for the EMs involved.
A booklet of prayers to read with the person and a pyx to transport the Eucharist is available. If you are interested in volunteering in this ministry or have questions, please click on the link below and submit your information.
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion - Hospital
Extraordinary Ministers from all of Frederick County parishes bring Communion to the patients at Frederick Health Hospital on a daily basis.
Bringing the Lord to hospital patients is extremely rewarding not only for the patients but for the EMs involved. You feel the grace of God when you are giving patients Communion and patients are so grateful for you being there and for having the opportunity to spend a few quiet moments with the Lord.
As to the commitment from the Extraordinary Ministers, it is common for the Extraordinary Ministers to serve Communion at the hospital twice a month but even once a month is available. Two EMs are assigned each day of the month and your arrival time is up to you. Some EMs come during the day and some after work, and EM couples can serve together on the same day. Training will be available!
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion - Nursing Home
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion may be asked to bring communion to those who reside at local nursing homes and assisted living facilities when the clergy is not available. Bringing the Lord to those who are not able to attend Mass is extremely rewarding not only for the person receiving communion but for the EMs involved.
A booklet of prayers to read with the person and a pyx to transport the Eucharist is available. If you are interested in volunteering in this ministry or have questions, please click on the link below and submit your information.
Ushers
Ushers (Spanish)
Lectors
Men and women 16 years of age and older who are Confirmed and in good standing in the Church are invited to proclaim the Scriptures at the weekend Masses and other liturgical celebrations.
Lectors (Spanish)
Los hombres y mujeres de 16 años de edad y mayores que están confirmados y en buen estado en la Iglesia están invitados a proclamar las Escrituras en las Misas de fin de semana y otras celebraciones litúrgicas.
Live Streaming
Sacristans (Spanish)
Los sacristanes son los hombres y mujeres que hacen el trabajo silencioso de preparar nuestro espacio sagrado antes y después de nuestras misas diarias y de fin de semana. Los sacristanes ayudan a preparar el altar para la celebración de la Misa, así como a limpiar y asegurar los artículos después de la Misa.
El término “sacristán” proviene de la palabra latina, “sacer“, que significa sagrado. Los sacristanes hacen su ministerio detrás de escena trayendo a la mente las palabras de Jesús cuando dijo que no debemos hacer buenas obras solo para obtener recompensas (Mateo 6: 1).
Mass Coordinators
Men and women who prepare the sanctuary each week and on special occasions for the celebration of Mass, arrange for gift bearers, and insure all liturgical roles are filled for the celebration. Assist in extraordinary circumstances.
Wedding Coordinators
Persons who are present at both the rehearsal and the ceremony to assist the presider in the smooth celebration of the wedding ceremony.
Adult Choir
All persons high school age and up gather weekly to learn and rehearse music in preparation to enhance the liturgy and support the Assembly in musical worship. Rehearsals are held in the choir loft each Thursday from 7:30-9:30pm. The choir sings regularly three times a month rotating through the three Masses, on special feast days, and other special occasions.
Adult Choir (Spanish)
Todas las personas en edad escolar y mayores se reúnen semanalmente para aprender y ensayar música en preparación para mejorar la liturgia y apoyar a la Asamblea en el culto musical. Los ensayos se llevan a cabo en el coro todos los jueves de 7:30 a 9:30 pm. El coro canta regularmente tres veces al mes rotando a través de las tres misas, en días festivos especiales y otras ocasiones especiales.
Youth Choir
St. Johns Children’s-Youth Choir
- Open to Children and Youth—2nd grade to 8th grade.
- No audition required.
- Rehearses Thursdays in the Choir Loft 6:30 – 7:15 PM
- Sings on the 4th Sunday of each month (Sun. 9AM) + Christmas Eve and Palm Sunday
*High schoolers may choose to join either the Youth Choir or the Adult Choir depending on their schedule needs and desired level of commitment.
Youth Choir (Spanish)
NUEVO Coro de Adolescentes: ¡Todos los adolescentes en el pastorado en los grados 9º–12º son bienvenidos a participar en nuestro nuevo coro de adolescentes! Los ensayos comienzan semanalmente en septiembre, de 9:30 a 10:00 a.m. entre las misas dominicales en San José. El coro de adolescentes cantará en la misa de las 10:30 am el 2do domingo de cada mes. ¡Bienvenidos instrumentistas adolescentes!
Coro de niños: El coro de niños es para cualquier niño de 2º a 8º grado. Los ensayos comienzan en septiembre y tendrán lugar los miércoles de 6:30 a 7:00 pm. El Coro Juvenil cantará en la Misa de las 10:30 am el 4to domingo de cada mes.
Cantors
High school youth and adults are invited to be a part of this ministry. Singing and reading music ability are necessary. Training and musical support are offered. Cantors offer their gifts and talents each weekend at our Masses leading the Assembly in music worship.
Handbell Ringers
High school and adults are invited to be members of this group. No prior bell-ringing experience is required. Music reading ability is helpful but not absolutely necessary. Rehearsal are on Wednesday evenings 7:30-9:00pm in Rm 3 of the Bauer Evangelization Center.
St. John Schola
The Schola is a smaller acapella ensemble of 8-12 singers. Music reading is a requirement. This ensemble rehearses and sings throughout the year as requested.
Solo Instrumentalists
Middle school, high school, and adult instrumentalists with various instrument talents are encouraged to join our liturgical celebrations. Our Director of Music will assist with music selection and provide ample rehearsal time.
St. John Tuesday Night Prayer Group
Legion of Mary
Legion of Mary (Spanish)
Prayer Group (Spanish)
FAITH FORMATION PROGRAMS
Adult Faith Formation
Passing on our Catholic Faith to others and inviting them into a living relationship with Jesus is the best gift you can give to someone.
If you feel called to work with adults, we have a place for you.
If you are worried that you do not know enough or that you have never formally taught the faith before, the Faith Formation staff is here to help you! No special knowledge is needed, just a love for your faith and a desire to share it with others. The catechist manual will provide specific planning tips and resource references to help you feel comfortable in this ministry.
Adult Confirmation
Passing on our Catholic Faith to others and inviting them into a living relationship with Jesus is the best gift you can give to someone.
If you feel called to work with adults, we have a place for you.
If you are worried that you do not know enough or that you have never formally taught the faith before, the Faith Formation staff is here to help you! No special knowledge is needed, just a love for your faith and a desire to share it with others. The catechist manual will provide specific planning tips and resource references to help you feel comfortable in this ministry.
Baptism Preparation and Celebration
The Baptism Preparation and Celebration ministry assists parents who are seeking Baptism for their children and a lifelong journey of faith in Jesus Christ. Members help to lead Baptism prep classes and/or assist on the day of the sacrament, offering guidance and assistance to the families, letting them know what to expect, and being a warm presence to them.
Baptismal Program (Spanish)
El ministerio de Preparación y Celebración del Bautismo ayuda a los padres que buscan el Bautismo para sus hijos y un viaje de fe de por vida en Jesucristo. Los miembros ayudan a dirigir las clases de preparación para el bautismo y/o ayudan en el día de la Santa Cena, ofreciendo orientación y asistencia a las familias, haciéndoles saber qué esperar y siendo una presencia cálida para ellas.
Confirmation (Teens)
Passing on our Catholic Faith to others and inviting them into a living relationship with Jesus is the best gift you can give to someone.
If you feel called to work with teens, we have a place for you.
If you are worried that you do not know enough or that you have never formally taught the faith before, the Faith Formation staff is here to help you! No special knowledge is needed, just a love for your faith and a desire to share it with others. The catechist manual will provide specific planning tips and resource references to help you feel comfortable in this ministry.
1st - 5th Grade Faith Formation
Passing on our Catholic Faith to others and inviting them into a living relationship with Jesus is the best gift you can give to someone.
If you feel called to work with youth, we have a place for you.
If you are worried that you do not know enough or that you have never formally taught the faith before, the Faith Formation staff is here to help you! No special knowledge is needed, just a love for your faith and a desire to share it with others. The catechist manual will provide specific planning tips and resource references to help you feel comfortable in this ministry.
OCIA Adapted for Children
First Reconciliation (2nd Grade and above)
Passing on our Catholic Faith to others and inviting them into a living relationship with Jesus is the best gift you can give to someone.
If you feel called to work with youth, we have a place for you.
If you are worried that you do not know enough or that you have never formally taught the faith before, the Faith Formation staff is here to help you! No special knowledge is needed, just a love for your faith and a desire to share it with others. The catechist manual will provide specific planning tips and resource references to help you feel comfortable in this ministry.
First Eucharist (2nd Grade and above)
Passing on our Catholic Faith to others and inviting them into a living relationship with Jesus is the best gift you can give to someone.
If you feel called to work with youth, we have a place for you.
If you are worried that you do not know enough or that you have never formally taught the faith before, the Faith Formation staff is here to help you! No special knowledge is needed, just a love for your faith and a desire to share it with others. The catechist manual will provide specific planning tips and resource references to help you feel comfortable in this ministry.
Middle School Youth Ministry/Faith Formation
Passing on our Catholic Faith to others and inviting them into a living relationship with Jesus is the best gift you can give to someone.
Whether you feel called to work with middle schoolers, we have a place for you.
If you are worried that you do not know enough or that you have never formally taught the faith before, the Faith Formation staff is here to help you! No special knowledge is needed, just a love for your faith and a desire to share it with others. The catechist manual will provide specific planning tips and resource references to help you feel comfortable in this ministry.
High School Youth Ministry/Faith Formation
Passing on our Catholic Faith to others and inviting them into a living relationship with Jesus is the best gift you can give to someone.
If you feel called to work with high schoolers, we have a place for you.
If you are worried that you do not know enough or that you have never formally taught the faith before, the Faith Formation staff is here to help you! No special knowledge is needed, just a love for your faith and a desire to share it with others. The catechist manual will provide specific planning tips and resource references to help you feel comfortable in this ministry.
Liturgy
Marriage Program (Spanish)
El ministerio de Preparación y Celebración del Bautismo ayuda a los padres que buscan el Bautismo para sus hijos y un viaje de fe de por vida en Jesucristo. Los miembros ayudan a dirigir las clases de preparación para el bautismo y/o ayudan en el día de la Santa Cena, ofreciendo orientación y asistencia a las familias, haciéndoles saber qué esperar y siendo una presencia cálida para ellas.
Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA)
OCIA is a faith process for anyone 18 years or older who is or might be interested in joining the Roman Catholic Church. It is a renewed ritual of an ancient process of becoming a full, active, participating member. We welcome all who are interested in becoming a member of the Catholic Church and invite you to learn as much as you would like.
OCIA is also for those adults who have not yet received Baptism, Confession, Holy Communion, and/or Confirmation.
OCIA (Spanish)
Men's Formation Feast
Once a month, join other men to feed your body and soul at a FORMATION FEAST! Come to be formed in your Catholic faith. Do it for your family. Do it for fraternity. Do it for yourself. Just once a month. Learn more here.
Women's Ministry
To give women in the pastorate a place to gather in grace and friendship, grow in faith, to be encouraged and equipped to share the love of Our Lord with each other and everyone we encounter. Learn more here.
Pastorate Family Activities
Volunteers are needed for single events and seasonal special events with the Faith Formation Families with coordination and setup.
SOCIAL/COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS
Boy Scouts
The Mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetime by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law. Troop 1274 is a youth lead, Catholic based Troop that enjoys camping, hiking and community service. The Troop meets every Wednesday evening in the cafeteria of the Sister Margaret Bauer Center from 7p until 8:30p
Catholic Daughters of the Americas
A national women’s club. The Court of Elizabeth Ann Seton meets at St. John’s and invites women to grow stronger in their faith and reach out in service to God and His Church.
Filipino-American Ministry
Provides welcoming and hospitality to the Filipino-American community.
Knights of Columbus St. John Council 1622
The KofC is a fraternal order of Catholic men who pledge to live out their lives in strong accordance with the teachings of the Church. The Knights have pledged themselves to good works and mutual support of the local parish. Council #1622 meets at and supports St. John’s.
Lay Carmelites
Men of St. John
As “iron sharpens iron” we get together to develop our lives as Catholic men and grow as Christians, husbands, fathers, and men of integrity. Meetings are every other Saturday morning for breakfast from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m. at the Mountain View Diner, 1300 W. Patrick Street.
Young Adults - P3
All young adults in the Frederick area are welcome to join together for this gathering.
OUTREACH
After the Storm
An outreach ministry to persons and families who are struggling to re-establish their lives after severe economic loss and family distress.
Arimatheans
Persons who volunteer to assist at funerals as ushers, altar servers, lectors, and EMHC. This ministry calls for flexible work schedules.
Creation Care
In response to Pope Francis call, this ministry
makes people aware of the Church’s teaching regarding our responsibility in caring for creation and our environment.
Funeral Reception Ministry
When a funeral arises, we need people who are willing to do one or more of the following:
- Arrive the night before or the morning of and help put on tablecloths and flowers for our tables.
- Arrive on the day of the funeral, and help serve food (we really need servers!)
- Be on a list and be willing to bring a dessert or casserole and drop it off
These are very practical ways to help. If you are willing to serve (and not every funeral, but a willingness to be called upon) please submit the interest form below.
Hunger Ministry
Volunteers collect food after the Masses and adds them to the parish Food Bank
Loaves and Fishes
Volunteers order and organize food donations and distribute them to those in need in our parish community on specified dates each month
Martha's Ministry
Martha’s Ministry offers support to parish families suffering the loss of a loved one by providing families with a delicious sandwich and salad buffet following the funeral Mass or service. Families are given the opportunity to spend time together with friends and relatives, to share favorite memories, and to support one another during that difficult time.
Committee volunteers set up, cater, serve and clean up from the meal, and offer a welcoming smile to the deceased’s family and friends. Usually dishes and desserts are donated by volunteers who prepare food for the reception; sometimes volunteers help to serve catered food that the family has arranged. The service and food are all offered at no charge as generous parishioners care for one another in their time of need.